How to Keep Bananas Fresh When Unpeeled

Banana slices are the perfect healthy snack for toddlers and small children.

Creamy, satisfying bananas are delicious when left whole. Sliced bananas serves as a nice addition to a fruit salad or eaten as pancake toppings. However, if you slice too many, you may see them turn brown soon after. Once a banana's fruit is exposed to the air, enzymes in the fruit begin a process called oxidation. While the change in color doesn't necessarily mean fruit has turned bad, it does make them look less appealing. Treating and storing sliced bananas properly will keep fresh for two to three days.

Things You'll Need

• Banana
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Plastic bowl with lid
• 1 tbsp. of lemon juice or fruit preservative

Instructions

1. Unpeel one banana and place it on a cutting board or plate. Using a butter knife, gently cut the bananas into 1-inch thick slices.

2. Arrange the slices in a plastic bowl. Pour in 1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice. One option involves using a natural fruit preservative. Cover the bowl with a lid and give the fruit a little shake. Be careful as excessive shaking may squish the bananas.

3. Refrigerate them immediately for one to two days.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pineapple juice instead of lemon juice for a sweeter flavor.

References

• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension: Summer Fruits & Veggies
• Utah Dairy Council: Banana Cream Trifle